Earth and Science Reviewer
I. Branches of Earth Science
Geology: Geology is the study of the
Earth's solid materials, including rocks,
minerals, and the processes that shape
the Earth's structure. It includes
subfields like mineralogy, petrology, and
seismology.
Mineralogy: Mineralogy is the study of
minerals and their properties. It is
essential for understanding the
composition of Earth's crust.
Seismology: Seismology is the study of
earthquakes and seismic waves. It helps
us understand the Earth's interior
structure and the causes of earthquakes.
Meteorology: Meteorology is the study
of the Earth's atmosphere, weather
patterns, and climate. Meteorologists
analyze atmospheric conditions to make
weather predictions and study long-term
climate trends.
Oceanography: Oceanography focuses
on the study of the Earth's oceans,
including their physical, chemical, and
biological properties. It explores ocean
currents, marine life, and the impact of
oceans on climate.
Astronomy: While not exclusively an
Earth Science, astronomy examines
celestial bodies and phenomena beyond
Earth. However, it contributes to our
understanding of the Earth's place in the
universe and its history.
Volcanology: Volcanology is the study of
volcanoes, volcanic activity, and volcanic
landforms. It helps us understand
volcanic eruptions and their impact on
the Earth's landscape.
Climatology: Climatology examines
long-term climate patterns and
variations. It plays a crucial role in
understanding climate change and its
effects on the Earth.
II. Terms for specific scientists
who study the different branches
of science
Geologist: A scientist who specializes in
geology, the study of the Earth's solid
materials and the processes that shape
its structure.
Mineralogist: A scientist who focuses on
mineralogy, the study of minerals and
their properties.
Seismologist: A scientist who specializes
in seismology, the study of earthquakes
and seismic waves.
Meteorologist: A scientist who studies
meteorology, the Earth's atmosphere,
weather patterns, and climate.
Oceanographer: A scientist who
specializes in oceanography, the study of
the Earth's oceans, including their
physical, chemical, and biological
properties.
Astronomer: A scientist who studies
astronomy, the science of celestial
bodies and phenomena beyond Earth.
Volcanologist: A scientist who focuses
on volcanology, the study of volcanoes,
volcanic activity, and volcanic
landforms.
Climatologist: A scientist who
specializes in climatology, the study of
long-term climate patterns and
variations.
III. Minerals
Minerals are naturally occurring, solid,
inorganic substances.
 Earth and Science Reviewer
The study of minerals is known as transported by wind or ice along the
mineralogy. People who study minerals Earth’s surface. Examples of
are called mineralogists. sedimentary rocks include
conglomerate, shale, limestone and
Minerals can be described and classified
sandstone.
according to their physical properties,
such as their: Metamorphic rocks are rocks, which are
formed because of a physical or chemical
1. Crystal structure and shape (called
change to an existing rock through a
their habit)
process called metamorphosis.
2. Hardness (measured using the Mohs
Metamorphosis means a change in form.
scale of mineral hardness)
3. Luster (the way light reflects off them) V. Rock cycle
4. Color
Rocks can change from one form to
5. Translucency (how see-through they
another (igneous ↔ sedimentary ↔
are)
metamorphic). This is known as the
6. Cleavage (how they break)
Rock Cycle.
7. Density (mass to volume ratio)
IV. Types of rocks
Rocks are made up of two or more
minerals. Rocks containing valuable
minerals are called ore.
Base metals are metals that do not
contain iron, such as copper and nickel.
Industrial minerals are minerals that do
not contain any metals. Precious metals
are metals of high value, such as gold,
iron and platinum.
Rocks are classified as igneous,
sedimentary, or metamorphic.
Igneous rocks are rocks formed by the
cooling and solidification of magma or
lava. The word igneous comes from the VI. Endogenic and exogenic
Latin word “ignis” meaning fire. processes
Sedimentary rocks are formed by the Wind and water can change the shape of
accumulation of sediments. They are the Earth over time. Weathering
made up of layers of minerals, rock involves both the physical and chemical
particles or organic materials. The layers breakdown of rock.
are formed over time as materials
Physical weathering involves breaking
carried by water are deposited at the
the rock into smaller pieces.
bottom of lakes, rivers and oceans or are
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Chemical weathering involves chemical VII. Ways to prevent soil erosion
reactions that change the composition of
1. Maintaining a healthy, perennial plant
the rock fragments. For example, acid
cover.
rain can dissolve some types of
2. Mulching.
sedimentary rock.
3. Planting a cover crop – such as winter
Erosion involves the transport of rock rye in vegetable gardens.
particles, sediments, and soils by water, 4. Placing crushed stone, wood chips,
wind, or glaciers. and other similar materials in heavily
used areas where vegetation is hard to
Eroded material that is transported from
establish and maintain.
one place to another, such as from the
upstream portion of a river to the VIII. ways to protect eroded lands
downstream portion, will eventually be
1. Replant vegetation suited to site
deposited (put down) on the river bed.
conditions. Well-established vegetation
Rock particles and sediment can be can stabilize the soil in cases of light
transported very dramatically in a erosion
landslide 2. Footpaths with exposed soil - cover
with mulch or grave
Many kinds of events can trigger a
3. Terraces
landslide, such as erosion associated
4. Build and/or check dams
with rivers, glaciers, waves, heavy
snowmelt or even earthquakes.
Types of Sediment Deposition:
Fluvial Deposition: Sediments deposited
by rivers and streams are called
alluvium. These deposits can form
floodplains, deltas, and riverbanks.
Aeolian Deposition: Wind-blown
sediments can accumulate in deserts,
forming sand dunes and loess deposits.
Marine Deposition: Sediments deposited
in oceans can lead to the formation of
coastal landforms, such as beaches,
barrier islands, and continental shelves.
Glacial Deposition: As glaciers melt,
they deposit sediments they have
carried, forming moraines, eskers, and
drumlins.
Lacustrine Deposition: Sediments found
in lakes can result in features like
lakebed sediments, deltas, and
shorelines.